By Antonia Chiam
“Sarawak recognises the UEC, and beginning in 2026, students with this certificate will be eligible for our State-owned universities under the free tertiary education scheme.” Abang Johari (July 11, 2024)
EDUCATION has always been a fundamental pillar of development in any society, and in Sarawak, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg who refuses to politicise education, broke barriers by bringing significant changes aimed at making the State’s education system more inclusive and future-oriented.
Recognition of UEC
One of the most groundbreaking initiatives in recent years was Abang Johari’s decision to officially recognise the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) in Sarawak, a bold step that advanced the legacy of his predecessor, the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem. The UEC is the qualification awarded to students who completed their studies in Chinese independent secondary schools across Malaysia. These schools operate independently of the Ministry of Education’s mainstream public schools, and their curriculum is based primarily on Chinese-language instruction.
Over the years, the UEC has gained significant recognition in international academic circles, particularly in countries such as China, Taiwan, Singapore, and Australia. Despite its international recognition, the UEC has not been officially recognised by the Malaysian Federal government. This lack of recognition meant that UEC holders were not eligible for entry into public universities, and their qualifications were not fully acknowledged within the civil service, making it difficult for graduates to pursue opportunities in government jobs.
In February 2017, shortly after taking office following the passing of Adenan, Abang Johari reaffirmed Sarawak’s recognition of UEC. Like Adenan, Abang Johari’s recognition of the UEC also made its holders eligible for Sarawak civil service positions. Apart from that, he continued the legacy of Adenan by disbursing grants to 14 Chinese Independent Schools with RM1 million increment each year which Adenan did between 2014 to 2016, starting with RM3 million. Abang Johari continued the grants in 2017 with RM6 million, increasing to RM7 million in 2018 and RM8 million in 2019. In 2020, the sum had increased to RM9 million. By 2021, the amount was increased to RM10 million while the following years of 2022 and 2023, RM12 million respectively.
In 2021, Abang Johari made another milestone announcement: the Sarawak government would recognise the UEC as an equivalent qualification for entry into public universities in Sarawak. This move allowed UEC holders to apply for State-sponsored scholarships, government positions, and other public services, effectively opening up new opportunities for thousands of students in Sarawak who had completed their education in Chinese independent schools.
Abang Johari’s decision was grounded in meritocracy and the belief that all qualified students, regardless of the type of school they attended, should have equal access to educational opportunities and career advancement. This recognition aligned with Sarawak’s broader vision of inclusivity, fostering an environment where individuals from various educational backgrounds and ethnicities could contribute to the State’s growth and development. In addition to granting UEC holders access to public universities and government services, the recognition is seen as a step towards fostering greater unity and understanding among the diverse communities in Sarawak as Abang Johari has always emphasised the importance of inclusivity.
Recognising the UEC was a way to ensure that Chinese independent school students, who make up a significant portion of the State’s student population, are not excluded from opportunities simply because of the type of school they attended. This move also enables Sarawak to tap into the talent pool of Chinese independent school graduates, many of whom have a strong academic record and skills in both Mandarin and English—languages that are highly valued in today’s globalised economy. It means that Sarawak can better address its growing demand for skilled professionals, particularly in sectors such as technology, business, and engineering.
Eligibility for Free Tertiary Education
Abang Johari has long championed greater autonomy for Sarawak, especially in matters related to education, natural resources, and development. The decision to recognise the UEC was a powerful assertion of Sarawak’s ability to make decisions in the best interests of its people, even when those decisions differ from Federal policies. The recognition of the UEC has had a significant impact on Sarawak’s education landscape, opening up new opportunities for students who might have previously faced barriers to higher education or government employment.
Starting in 2026, UEC holders can pursue their studies at public universities in Sarawak as part of the free tertiary education policy, granting them access to state-sponsored scholarships and other educational opportunities that were previously unavailable. This opens doors for many talented students to further their studies without having to rely on private institutions or scholarships from abroad.
This initiative will allow them to pursue advanced studies at Sarawak-owned universities, particularly in critical fields such as satellite and aerospace technology, aligning with the region’s growing emphasis on innovation and technological development. With official recognition of the UEC, students in Chinese independent schools are more motivated to pursue academic excellence, knowing that their efforts will be acknowledged and rewarded in the State’s educational and employment systems.
Sarawak’s long-term development relies on nurturing a talented and competitive workforce. By recognising the UEC, the State ensures that it can harness the full potential of all its students, including those from Chinese independent schools, who are often highly motivated and academically gifted.
Acknowledging Reality
While the recognition of the UEC in Sarawak was largely welcomed, it has not been without its challenges. The decision has sparked some debates among various political and societal groups, particularly those who hold differing views on the national education system. One of the primary concerns raised by critics was the potential conflict with the Federal government’s policy on education, as the Federal government has not recognised the UEC for entry into public universities or government positions.
Additionally, some critics argued that the recognition of the UEC might lead to the proliferation of private Chinese schools, which they felt could further divide the educational system in Malaysia. However, Abang Johari’s government emphasised that the decision was about acknowledging the reality of Sarawak’s educational landscape, where many students attend Chinese independent schools, and ensuring that they have equal opportunities to succeed.
As Sarawak continues to develop, the recognition of the UEC could serve as a model for other states in Malaysia seeking to balance national policies with regional needs, ensuring that education remains a tool for unity, opportunity, and prosperity. Abang Johari’s leadership has paved the way for a more inclusive and dynamic future, one in which all of Sarawak’s citizens, regardless of their educational background, can contribute to the State’s ongoing success.
The content featured here is an excerpt from the book “Rise of Sarawak: Abang Johari’s Era of Transformation”, published by Sage Salute Sdn Bhd. All information contained herein is accurate as of the first quarter of 2025.
